Which situations require the involvement of the video assistant referee?

The involvement of the video assistant referee (VAR) is primarily reserved for critical game-changing situations that can significantly influence the outcome of the match. Situations such as goals, penalty decisions, and instances of mistaken identity fall within these critical categories.

When a goal is scored, VAR can check for any potential infractions or errors that may have occurred leading up to the goal, such as a foul or offside. Similarly, when a penalty is awarded, VAR can review the incident to ensure that the decision aligns with the laws of the game and that no clear and obvious error has been made. Mistaken identity, which refers to a referee mistakenly issuing a card to the wrong player, can also be rectified by VAR to ensure that the correct player is penalized or cautioned.

In contrast, throw-in decisions, yellow cards, fouls outside the penalty area, corner kicks, and goal kicks are generally not reviewed by VAR due to their lower impact on the game’s outcome. This focus on crucial moments enhances the overall fairness and integrity of the match, aligning with the VAR's intended purpose.